Los Angeles Real Estate Blog: Single Story or Two?

Phyllis' LA Real Estate Blog

Single Story or Two?

In addition to neighborhood, number of bedrooms and baths, architectural style, house hunters typically have a preference of single story or two.   When George and I were looking to purchase our home, my preference was a single story. We ended up purchasing a two story home and while I would have preferred a single story, our two story home has some advantages:

The two story may have a larger yard

Let’s assume that each home on a block has a lot size of 75 x 125.   A single story 3,000 square foot home is going to use more of the lot than a two story 3,000 sq ft home. The (similar sized) two story home will typically have more usable yard space.

The two story home often provides more definition of sleeping space

I usually wake early, while George is a night owl. When I feel like it, I can get up at 5 am, and bang around in the kitchen, go to the grocery store, unload groceries and never disturb him. And, he can watch television late into the night (downstairs) without disrupting me.

Although, stairs can be a nuisance, you do get a bit more exercise
Not that I am up and down my stairs non-stop, but I am likely to make at least five trips up and down daily and every little bit helps.

Two story homes often have more curb appeal
I think two story homes sometimes have more presence.

On the other hand:

Stairs are a nuisance and can be dangerous
I have tripped over the dog and fallen and another time just slipped while in a hurry (no broken bones)

As far as resale, I have more home buyers requesting a single level home
In my experience more home buyers request a single story home, often due to simplifying their life. Although many condo buyers prefer a two level townhome. So perhaps this is just a preference as to where you are in your life.